Irrespective of your job title, sales manager, company president, CEO, or just running your one man operation, sooner or later life will call on you to take risks. William Ellery Channing once wrote… There are seasons, in human affairs, when new depths seem to be broken up in the soul. When new wants are unfolded in multitudes and a new and undefined good is thirsted for. There are periods when to dare, is the highest wisdom.

Let’s look at a person who had the courage to take a risk. Mary Kay Ash had the ridiculous idea that beauty products would sell at home beauty shows. In her heart she believed that skin care products could be sold to women looking for ways to improve their looks, image and potential for success. Mary Kay had risked her entire life savings on this idea and ventured forth in spite of criticism from friends and family. Her first home show brought in a grand total of $1.50 in sales. Not what you would call a good return on her investment. However she was just getting started. She practiced and improved her selling skills, presentation techniques, refined the packaging and gave herself a much needed attitude adjustment. She did $34,000 in retail sales the first year. Fifteen years later, Mary Kay had 150,000 independent consultants, and 3,000 directors producing gross sales of $200 million.

In the fifth century B.C., the Greek historian Herodotus scripted eight simple words that ring as true today, in this age of high technology and space exploration as they did when human civilization was just beginning to explore the world within and without.

“Great deeds are usually wrought at great risks.”

Take heed in Herodotus words. Weigh all the facts, complete your due diligence; and prepare your heart, mind, body and soul. Then move forward with a clear vision and faith knowing that time well spent will yield your just rewards. Finally, just before going to sleep do not be too proud to ask for help and leave it in someone else’s hands.